Meanwhile, deep within the canyons of the Blood Khaganate territory, the Young Commander's squad was making repairs to their vehicles. The engineer, his brow furrowed in concentration, worked tirelessly to fix a damaged APC (armored personal carrier) . The Young Commander, standing atop the armored vehicle, surveyed the surrounding landscape. his small stature is contrast on the more bulky swat soldier soldier surround him

"We're running low on fuel for our flamethrowers," the engineer reported, his voice filled with concern. "We may have to abandon some of our vehicles."

The Young Commander's face hardened. "We can't afford to retreat now. We need to press deeper and inflict more damage." He paused, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We have a few more hours of daylight. Make it count."

The engineer nodded, determined to do his best. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the canyons,

As the sky darkened, casting long shadows across the landscape, the Young Commander lowered his binoculars, his gaze fixed on a serene village nestled amidst the canyons. The villagers, unaware of the impending danger, were lighting their homes with lamps and torches, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

"This is the last village we can destroy before we retreat to our territory," the Young Commander announced to his men, his voice filled with a determination. "Now, with the grace of our Gods, attack!"

The armored vehicles roared to life, their engines churning as they advanced towards the unsuspecting village. The villagers, caught off guard, scrambled to prepare for defense, grabbing whatever weapons they could find.

The Blood Khaganate retainer, having caught up to the Young Commander's forces, witnessed the devastation unfolding before him. "That's the devil!" he exclaimed, "Show no mercy to them!"

The Blood Khaganate army joined the fray, clashing with the Swat soldiers in a battle amidst the burning village. The Swat soldiers fought with fierce determination, splitting their forces to inflict as much damage as possible. The warriors, led by the retainer, attacked from unexpected angles, their movements swift and precise.

In the heart of the chaos, the Young Commander's armored vehicle stood tall, providing fire support. The retainer, his eyes locked on the Young Commander, led a small force through the burning village,

With a battle cry, the retainer charged towards the armored vehicle, his spear raised high and point at the apc.the tip of speak created a electric beam. the emp attack. its fray the apc camera and auto turret, force The Young Commander open his hatch to give direct command,,

While the Young Commander and the retainer engaged in their battle in burning village, a separate battle was unfolding in the southern region of the Wasteland. Zane, realizing the critical situation at the frontline, ordered an artillery barrage against the Blood Khaganate forces.

Meanwhile, Wanderer and his mercenary squad were closing in on the Blood Khaganate's position. As they approached the canyons, the landscape was transformed into a more corrosive. littered with debris and craters from the relentless bombardment.

swat truck armed with altilery is do their best make the black mountain get more black by their attack.

The Blood Khaganate forces, their exosuits absorbing much of the damage, remained resolute. behind their bunker and pillboxes "It's taking too long,,, we already late for party 6 hours ago" Wanderer pressed, "We're wasting our missiles. We need to meet them head-on."

"Alright," Zane agreed. "After the last barrage, we'll break through their defenses and relieve the Young Commander. Who knows, we might even capture their capital."

The final barrage rained down on the Blood Khaganate's position, tearing through their defenses.their fort who nestled on the dark mountain is crumbling. some wall is exposed. The Swat forces and Wanderer's mercenaries charged into the breach, their weapons blazing.

The Blood Khaganate forces fought back fiercely, using traps and avalanches to slow the enemy's advance. The battle raged on, a brutal and chaotic clash of wills and weapons. The canyons echoed with the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and the screams of the wounded.

The Khan, watching the unfolding battle with a growing sense of despair, knew that defeat was imminent. he dont expect they will trying to break through, he just expect if they will siege the mountain fotress, He then ordered a retreat,into the depths of the black mountain. As the last remnants of the battle faded into the distance, Wanderer watched the retreating army through his drone's thermal imaging.

"That's it," he muttered, punching the top of his mobile home. " the snake is turn back.. now cut the snake head!""

With a renewed sense of purpose,

“they retreating with their baggage. give us time. if we can just cut through this mountain. we can catch them” he then look at variated gear his mercenary have. some had standard gear. some is had augmented legs. and exosuit. Wanderer led a small force to intercept the Blood Khaganate's retreat. They navigated the rugged terrain, they maneuvering and scaling through the canyons and valleys with expert precision.

Oboro, perched atop a high point, used his long-range rifle to slow the Blood Khaganate's advance. His shots were precise, forcing the retreating forces to take cover between the boulders and trees,

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As they reached their ambush point, the Khan, his bull helmet broken by Oboro's sniper shot, emerged from the darkness. He stood tall, his gaze unwavering as he faced Wanderer forces.

"Wanderer," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of defiance and resignation, "the legendary Darklord. It's a shame your reputation has been reduced to that of a mere mercenary, a Swat dog."

Wanderer, hidden among the boulders, spoke through his drone's speaker. "Surrender," he said calmly. "We might spare you and your people."

The Khan laughed mockingly, his voice echoing in the stillness of the night. "Spare us? After what we've done to your precious Oil? I think not, Wanderer. My people will fight to the last breath, just as we always have." He drew his sword, its blade gleaming ominously in the moonlight.

Wanderer, hidden among the boulders he then look at is men first, then oboro speak “they bit old school huh?”

wanderer then look back at monitor muttered “,, remnant of old world”

then spoke through his drone's speaker, his tone calm. "Surrender. We might spare you and your people."

The Khan laughter faded, he then think a moment about his situation. and his rear. Zane force is soon catching up. then he speak. "But very well, if it's surrender you want..." He gestured to his men, who began to lay down their weapons. spear, sword, and bolt action rifle is dropped to the ground "...then so be it. We yield to your mercy. Though I doubt you'll show any." His eyes narrowed, searching for Wanderer's hiding spot.

"I hope you're prepared to face the consequences of your actions, Darklord. For there will be retribution. The Blood Khaganate does not forget those who cross us." He sheathed his sword, standing tall amidst his defeated troops. "Now, come out and face me."

Wanderer raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "What? You want a last duel? Do you think this is fucking medieval times?"

The Blood Khaganate General chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, Wanderer. It isn't medieval times. This isn't some grand joust or tournament. This is survival. Life and death in the rawest sense." He stepped back, giving Wanderer space. "Come then, let's see how much of a man you really are."

Wanderer glanced at his force again, then at the monitor, assessing the battlefield. Finally, he revealed himself among the boulders, followed by his men. He descended slowly from the cliff, meeting the surrendering Khaganate force and its Khan. "So... you prefer to die by my hand than see the future, huh?" he said, hands on his hips, slightly panting.

The Khan crossed his arms over his chest, "Oh, I prefer no such thing. But when your options are limited..." He shrugged. "...you take what you can get." He nodded towards the holographic monitors showing the battlefield on his hand. "Your forces have decimated ours. There's nothing left to stand between you and whatever it is you seek."

Wanderer replied, "Ah yes, that kind of trait belongs only to those too prideful to accept defeat."

The Khan nodded slowly"Pride can be a dangerous thing, especially in our world. But so can cowardice." He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a low growl. "What will you do now, Wanderer? Claim victory, or leave us to rot here?"

"You want to die? Then I can give you one." Wanderer drew his silver pistol and pointed it at the Khaganate General.

The Khan eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't flinch or raise his hands in surrender. "You'd kill me outright? After all we've been through?" His tone was almost amused,. "I thought you were better than that, Wanderer. Or maybe you're just afraid of facing the consequences of your actions." He looked around at the scattered remains of his troops, then back at Wanderer. "Either way, go ahead and pull the trigger. See where it gets you."

Wanderer shook his head. "Well yes, do you think I would use a sword and give you a last duel like what you want? I'm not that honorable."

The Khan snickered softly, shaking his head slightly. "No, I didn't expect you would. That's why it's amusing." He took another step closer, his gaze locked onto Wanderer's. "But remember this: if you walk away from here without finishing what you started, everyone will know that you couldn't handle it. That's worse than dying right now."

Wanderer frowned. "What? You talking about... you want to guilt trip me? You're the one who broke the non-aggression pact, forcing me to do this."

The Khan laughed softly while get closer to wanderer with his hand resting on sword,. "Non-aggression pacts are meant to be broken, Wanderer. That's how wars start."

as their distance close. the khan height is almost twice to wanderer. He then tilted his head slightly, "But no, I'm not trying to guilt trip you. I'm just pointing out reality. If you leave now... you won't be remembered as a hero or even a villain. You'll be forgotten."

"Even the greatest hero will be forgotten. Now stop playing around and just surrender like the rest of your soldiers. Stop being stubborn and suicidal."

The Khan sighed deeply, looking down at the ground for a moment before meeting Wanderer's gaze again. "And what makes you think I'm not already forgotten? What makes you think anyone remembers my name anymore?" His voice was cold, almost detached. "But fine, let's say I surrender. What happens then? Do you take me prisoner? Execute me? Or perhaps you decide to spare me because deep down inside you still have some shred of mercy left?"

Wanderer replied slowly, "Your kind is still human in my eyes. We will... spare you and treat you like just another human being."

The Khan raised an eyebrow, "Treated like just another human being, huh?" He chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "I've heard it all before, Wanderer. But let me ask you this—do you really think your kind can accept someone like me, with my mutations, my past, my beliefs?" His expression turned serious,. "Or will I always be seen as less than human, a monster to be studied and contained?"

Wanderer considered this for a moment. "Hmm... we’re not like Series 9. And you’re under my capture, not SWAT's. You have my word."

The Khan leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. "Your word..." He repeated the words slowly, as if tasting them. "That means something coming from you, Wanderer. More than you probably realize." A ghost of a smile played on his lips. "Alright, I'll trust you. For now. But don't expect me to roll over and play dead just because you say so."

"Good boy..." Wanderer holstered his pistol and ordered his men to proceed with the work on the Khaganate soldiers' surrender.

The Khan rolled his eyes at Wanderer's condescending tone. "Good boy? Really,,,Well, I suppose I should be grateful you're not going to shoot me in the head."

Then the news of the Blood Khaganate General's surrender reached his retainer, who had almost overcome the Young Commander in the burning village. With a heavy heart, the retainer ordered his men to surrender and follow his lord's order. He looked at the Young Commander's forces, who cheered victory, feeling a mix of emotions in his heart.